how can i open image with NEF extension?

[RUFFUS]

Photographer sent me a file (said it was a RAW image) with an extension NEF that i have tried to open or import into Photoshop CS2 but get an error message that the format cannot be recognized. i can see the image in 'Preview' and save from there as a TIFF or PSD but i need access to the actual file so i can save at the size i require (10 times bigger than what Preview saved the TIFF). Feedback appreciated. Thanks!

[Drazan]

NEF is nikon raw image.

http://www.nikonimglib.com/nefcodec/

this may help.

edit: also please do not double post threads.

[RUFFUS]

Thanks on both counts!

[RUFFUS]

checked out the link you sent... should have mentioned that i use a MAC (download didn't work). Any other ideas?

[RUFFUS]

FOUND A SOLUTION - here's a link incase another MAC user has the same question: http://www.adobe.com/products/dng/

[Two-Toe Tom]

never heard of dng, but i know you can just get the camera raw plugin from adobe to open NEF files (that's what i do)

[RUFFUS]

Thanks Tom,
i didn't have the Raw plug in and while hunting for info i learned about DNG... i downloaded in a couple of minutes and able to convert over 20 NEF files in under 5 minutes that i could then open in photoshop... happy day!
Pasting brief info off Adobe:

The Digital Negative (DNG), a publicly available archival format for the raw files generated by digital cameras. By addressing the lack of an open standard for the raw files created by individual camera models, DNG helps ensure that photographers will be able to access their files in the future... Adobe provides the free Adobe DNG Converter (Windows® | Macintosh), which easily translates raw files from many of today's popular cameras...

[Two-Toe Tom]

ahh cool, but just so you know, with camera raw you can do manipulations (like tonal adjustments, contrast/brightness, etc) in the original raw format (which has a greater color depth than working with jpg format). but if you just want to convert a bunch of them into something useable, it sounds like dng's more convenient for that.

[RUFFUS]

arrgghh... wrote a response and lost it...
Anyway... thanks for the good info - will look into that when i have more time... Camera Raw was packaged with the DNG download so i might as well make use of it since it is sitting on my desktop staring at me now : )

[PrintDriver]

GraphicConverter by Lemke Software works too. And has quite a few other features as well. :D

[RUFFUS]

Thanks PrintDriver! Very glad i joined the GD forum... i am going to look like a SUPASTAA in front of my clients : )